Is there 4 wires or 5 wires going to the reducer. You may be missing the trigger wire which usually goes to the key switch if its 5 wire. They're not to expensive Amazon has them or you can get one from the site sponsors. Get a 30amp model.

Based on what you described I'd feel safe about ordering another reducer.

Thanks - any recommendations (other than adequate amperage) for a replacement? We have a handshake agreement selling the car to some folks in our golf community and I don't want to delay the new owners starting to enjoy it so we're going to buy local in this instance (or maybe we're going to have to take what the local dealer has....)